Have you seen that old Josh Duhamel movie, Life as We Know It? Then you’ve got an idea of the concept behind this emotional romance – two people who “hate” each other are bonded by their friends, and become co-parents when those friends pass away unexpectedly. I will openly admit that there are MANY similarities between the movie and this book (probably too many), but the storylines have many differences as well. It’s a short and sexy, heartfelt romance that will put you through your emotional paces. It’s light one minute and sad the next, family-friendly one scene and super steamy right after. As a series starter, this is pretty solid. It’s my first time reading something from either of these authors, and I’m definitely curious to see where the series goes next. This is perfect for fans of sports romance who want something a little bit different, that’s still quick and sexy.
The story follows Hadley and Wes, two people who are like oil and water. Hadley’s best friend and Wes’ childhood buddy are married, so they’ve been a part of each other’s lives for years – against their wills. Though their friends always insisted that they’d be perfect together, Hadley and Wes have gotten on each other’s nerves since their first interaction. Hadley thinks Wes is an irresponsible playboy (he is kind of a manhoe), and Wes thinks Hadley is an uptight snob (she can be judgmental). So when their friends pass away and leave these two frenemies in charge of their children, it’s a major change to both of their lives. As Hadley and Wes get to know each other on a deeper level, they realize that their first impressions might’ve been wrong.
It’s not often that I read a romance with a plot like this one, so it was a welcome change from the norm. I loved Wes once we got to know him better, and Hadley grew on me over time. That’s perhaps why this had a slower start for me – neither character is particularly likable at the start (intentionally). As the story progresses, it mixes flashbacks with present day to paint a very different picture. It’s still a pretty light, easy, sexy read, but there are some heartfelt and emotional moments to tie everything together. This would’ve benefited from a longer length and more romantic relationship development; I expected it to be a slower burn, and the transition from hate to love was underwhelming for me. The ending was also very abrupt. But I liked a significant amount of this, certainly enough to check out the next interconnected standalone in the series. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this angsty sports romance.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AhS8Qs
Blurb:
The St. Louis Mavericks are having the best season in team history. On pace for a pro hockey record, the unexpected death of their captain and star player knocks them off course in ways they never expected.
Weston
My world was turned upside down the day Ben Whitmer died. Best friends since junior hockey, Ben was like a brother to me. My voice of reason and a grounding force on and off the ice. But as heartbroken as I am, I don’t have the luxury of grieving his loss.
Not only do I have to hold our team together, I was named guardian of the two young children Ben and his wife left behind. Well, not just me—me and his wife’s best friend, Hadley. We’ve been left with the impossible task of deciding which of us will raise the kids, but there’s no way I’m letting that uptight ball buster have them.
Lines are drawn, but they begin to blur as I find out there’s more to Hadley than I thought. A lot more.
Hadley
I can’t take the place of my beautiful best friend in her children’s lives. But I love them so fiercely that I’ll do whatever it takes to raise them the way their parents wanted.
Wes Kirby is an obnoxious womanizer, and I won’t let him take Ben and Lauren’s children from me. Deciding to temporarily live together in our friends’ home, we attempt to provide the kids stability while we figure out which of us is better suited to raising them.
As we learn parenthood together, my enemy Wes slowly becomes something different. Something more. And I’m left wondering not only if I’m enough for the kids, but if Wes and I are enough to last.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AhS8Qs
About the Authors:
Brenda Rothert:
Brenda Rothert was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From hot hockey romance to steamy romantic suspense, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.
For all the latest on Brenda and her books, join her Facebook reader group, Rothert’s Readers.
Website: http://brendarothert.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrendarothert/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrendaRothert
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brendarothert/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendarothert/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TyGXds
Kat Mizera:
USA Today Bestselling author Kat Mizera is a South Florida native. Born in Miami Beach with a healthy dose of wanderlust, she’s called Los Angeles, Long Island, upstate New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Atlanta home. She’s never been able to pick which locale is her favorite, but if pressed, she’d probably choose the west coast.
Kat’s a typical PTA mom with a wonderful and supportive husband (Kevin) and two amazing boys (Nick and Max). When she’s not writing, she’s either scrapbooking or indulging in her second love (after writing) – traveling. Greece is one of her favorite places in the world. She loves that Athens is a big city with a small-town feel. The food, beaches and culture keep her going back as often as possible. She hopes to retire there one day so she can spend her days writing books on the beach.
As you can guess from her series, the Las Vegas Sidewinders, Kat loves hockey. She is also a freelance hockey writer, covering her favorite team, the Florida Panthers, and any other teams that have an interesting story. The rest of the time, she writes novels: sexy, romantic fiction that she hopes makes you as happy as it makes her. There’s something enticing about hockey players and romance…
Website: https://www.katmizera.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatmizera/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKatMiz
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/katmiz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katmizera/
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Rk3imn
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